The Toyosu Market opened in October 2018 and replaced the aging but much beloved Tsukiji Market. Plonked on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay it comprises three main buildings.

Toyosu Fish Market Tour

The Fisheries Wholesale Market Building is where Japanese and international suppliers sell fish and other marine products to local distributors. The building also hosts the famous tuna auction.

Key Takeaways

  • Toyosu Market is the largest wholesale seafood market in the world.
  • Opened in October 2018 and replaced the aging Tsukiji Market.
  • Hosts the famous tuna auction.
  • Closed on Sundays, national holidays, and often on Wednesdays.
  • Regular opening hours are from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., but many shops and the information center open up at 7am.
  • You can take a guided tour of the market and dine at restaurants across its large, modern premises.

About Toyosu Fish Market

Toyosu Fish Market

Toyosu Market is a wholesale market located in the Toyosu area of the Kōtō ward that opened in October 2018, taking over the wholesale business from the aging Tsukiji Market.

The market is housed in three interconnected buildings, with two buildings dedicated to seafood and one building for fruits and vegetables.

The new Toyosu Market is a goliath and almost twice the size of Tsukiji, making it the biggest fish market in the world. On offer is a wide variety of seafood, including tuna, salmon, and shellfish.

The best place to observe the market action from a second-floor viewing deck, where they can watch the auction of seafood and learn about the process of buying and selling seafood in Japan.

Toyosu Fish Market

Aside from seafood, you can also explore the adjoining produce market, where they can buy fresh fruits and vegetables. There are also several restaurants across the large, modern premises where you can enjoy a breakfast of super fresh sushi and other seafood dishes.

Entry to the market is free but o check the market’s schedule before visiting as it is closed on some Wednesdays and holidays.

Layout

Toyosu Fish Market

Toyosu Market is a massive complex that spans over 407,000 square meters. It consists of three main buildings, each of which serves a different purpose. The Fisheries Wholesale Market Building is where Japanese and international suppliers come together to sell fish and other marine products to local distributors. This building is also home to the famous tuna auction, which takes place early in the morning.

The second building is the Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market Building, where you can find a wide variety of fresh produce. This building is where local farmers and distributors sell their fruits and vegetables to retailers and wholesalers. you can explore the many stalls and vendors, and even sample some of the fresh produce.

The third building is the Uogashi Yokocho Market, a retail market that offers a variety of seafood, fruits, vegetables, and other food products. This market is a popular destination for locals and travelers alike, and you can find everything from sushi to fresh oysters.

Toyosu Fish Market

The layout of Toyosu Market is designed to be efficient and streamlined, with easy access to each of the buildings. you can navigate the complex using the pedestrian walkways and bridges that connect the buildings. It is recommended to check the market’s website for information on opening hours and special events.

The Tuna Auction

Toyosu Fish Market

One of the main attractions of Toyosu Market is, of course, the famous tuna auction. You can watch the auction from the viewing deck above the auction floor. The auction starts early in the morning, usually around 5:30 am, and visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a spot.

Applications to see the auction up close are open March 1-7 for April visits. However, no application is necessary to watch from the corridor above. It is recommended to check the official website for the latest information on the auction schedule and application process.

The auction floor is a large, open space and you can witness the fast-paced bidding process for some of the world’s finest tuna. The auction is conducted in Japanese, but the excitement and energy of the auction can be enjoyed by all.

Aside from the tuna auction, Toyosu Market also offers auctions for other seafood such as octopus, scallops, and squid. you can explore these auctions and witness the unique bidding process for each type of seafood.

Restaurants and Shops

Toyosu Fish Market

Toyosu Market is known for its fresh seafood with many of the best Tsukijai places moving here as well and you can expect extremely fresh world-class offers. Here are some of our recommended sushi places in the Market:

Sushi Dai

Sushi Dai is one of the most famous sushi restaurants in Toyosu Market. It offers a variety of sushi dishes made with fresh seafood from the market. The restaurant is popular among locals and travelers alike, so it is recommended to arrive early to avoid long lines.

Tsukiji Sushisei

Tsukiji Sushisei is another popular sushi restaurant in Toyosu Market. It offers a variety of sushi dishes made with fresh seafood from the market, including tuna, sea urchin, and squid. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal.

Uogashi Yokocho

Uogashi Yokocho is a shopping street in Toyosu Market that offers a variety of shops and restaurants. you can explore shops that sell fresh seafood, vegetables, and other local products. The street also has a variety of restaurants that offer sushi, tempura, and other Japanese dishes.

Kaisendon Kinme

Kaisendon Kinme is a restaurant in Toyosu Market that specializes in kaisendon, a rice bowl dish topped with fresh seafood. The restaurant offers a variety of kaisendon dishes made with fresh seafood from the market, including tuna, salmon, and sea urchin.

Marukita Shoten

Marukita Shoten is a shop in Toyosu Market that sells fresh seafood, including tuna, salmon, and sea urchin. The shop offers a variety of seafood products, including sashimi, sushi, and kaisendon. you can purchase fresh seafood to take home or enjoy a delicious meal at the shop.

Toyosu Fish Market

Toyosu Market offers a variety of restaurants and shops that specialize in fresh seafood. you can explore the market and enjoy delicious dishes made with the freshest ingredients.

History

Toyosu Fish Market

Toyosu Market is a wholesale fish and seafood market in Tokyo. It opened on October 11, 2018, and replaced the famous Tsukiji Fish Market that had operated since 1935. The decision to relocate the Tsukiji Market was made due to concerns about the aging infrastructure and the need to modernize the facilities.

The construction of Toyosu Market began in 2014 on the site of a former gas plant in the Toyosu area of Tokyo Bay. The new market was built with state-of-the-art facilities, including refrigeration and storage systems, and a high-tech auction system that allows buyers to bid on fish using computer terminals.

Despite the move to a new location, the Tsukiji Market remains an important part of Tokyo’s culinary culture. The market is still home to many small shops and restaurants that offer a variety of fresh seafood and other local specialties. It is recommended to check out the outer market, which is the unofficial collection of shops and restaurants that grew up around the wholesale market, to experience the local food culture.

Toyosu Market is now one of the most in-demand attractions for visitors to Tokyo and gives you a chance to explore the world of Japanese seafood and to see how the fish is auctioned and distributed to restaurants and retailers.

Controversies

Toyosu Fish Market

The move to the new Toyosu market was not without controversy. Originally planned to open in 2016, the opening was delayed for various reasons, including concerns over contaminated soil. The site of the new market was previously a gas plant, and there were concerns that the soil was contaminated with toxic chemicals such as benzene and arsenic.

While the Tokyo Metropolitan Government conducted extensive tests and remediation efforts, some critics still expressed concerns about the safety of the food sold at the market. However, the government maintains that the market is safe and meets all necessary health and safety standards.

Another controversy surrounding Toyosu Market is the issue of transparency. Some critics have accused the government of not being transparent enough about the relocation process and the decision-making behind it. They argue that the public was not given enough opportunities to voice their opinions and concerns about the move.

There have also been concerns about the treatment of the workers at the market. Some reports have suggested that the workers, many of whom are immigrants, face poor working conditions and low wages. However, the government has denied these allegations and maintains that the workers are treated fairly.

Visiting Toyosu Market

Toyosu Fish Market

If you’re planning a visit to Tokyo, a trip to Toyosu Market should definitely be on your itinerary. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:

  • Check the schedule: Toyosu Market’s regular opening hours are from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., though many shops and the information center are only open from 7 a.m. The market is closed on Sundays, national holidays, and often on Wednesdays.
  • Arrive early: The market is busiest in the early morning hours, so if you want to see the tuna auction or get the best selection of fresh seafood, plan to arrive early.
  • Try the sushi: Of course, no visit to Toyosu Market would be complete without trying some of the fresh sushi. There are plenty of restaurants in the market where you can sample some of the best sushi in Tokyo.

Toyosu Market should be on your to-do list for anyone interested in seafood, Japanese culture, or just exploring Tokyo. With its incredible selection of fresh seafood, bustling atmosphere, and convenient location, it’s a great place to spend a morning or afternoon.

How To Get To Toyosu Fish Market?

Toyosu Fish Market

Getting to the Toyosu Market in Tokyo via public transportation is relatively easy:

By Train

  1. Take the Yurakucho Line to Toyosu Station.
  2. Exit the station from Exit 7.
  3. Walk for about 10 minutes towards Toyosu Market.

By Boat

Or for something different you can go to Toyosu Market by boat. To take the Tokyo Water Bus (river cruise) service. Follow these directions:

  1. Take the Tokyo Water Bus from Asakusa, Hinode Pier, or Odaiba Seaside Park to Toyosu Canal Side.
  2. Upon arriving at Toyosu Canal Side, walk for about 15-20 minutes towards Toyosu Market.

For more information on routes, timetables, and fares, check the Water Bus website: https://www.suijobus.co.jp/en/

Visitor Information

Information Category Details
Name Toyosu Market (豊洲市場)
Address 6-6-1 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan
Ticket Cost Free (guided tours require a fee)
Opening Times Wholesale Area: 5:00 – 17:00 (Mon – Sat, closed on Sun and holidays)
Observation Deck: 5:00 – 20:00 (daily)
Website https://www.shijou.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/english/toyosu/
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